Those interviews worked in much the same way the poetry slam scene worked before. Remember when that scene started and we weren't sure if Taylor was there, if it was therapy for him, if it was like a mandatory thing from the school or what? I think that same kind of disorientation and then slow realization is at work…

I certainly can't claim that for the last four or five years. I think my worry has lessened with the end nearing. But four or five years ago we were gearing up for the reelection and heading into his second term and all that campaigning made me just as worried as ever. But yeah, this last year or so hasn't been nearly…

It's not mixed media, but the only term I can think of off the top of my head to describe what I think the show is doing well is a kind of mixed media. When you combine the poetry reading and dance performance scenes from earlier this season with the interviews here, what you've got is a show that seems to know…

Yeah, after the commercial break when they came back with AJ's mother telling his story, I got back on board with what they were doing. During that first segment of interviews, I was actively shutting down and turning away from the episode. But the balance in the interviews made me love it again.

That's interesting to me. Eric's standing there with tears in his eyes the whole time his dad is talking to him. To me the whole thing read like Eric was just ready to look up, whisper "daddy" and fall into a puddle in his arms.

I agree 100% Esp with the point that young people may not fully realize the effect Columbine had on all of us and continues to have.

idk if sanctimonious is the word I would use, but I certainly see your point. There was something of a woe's me quality to it. But I think that's understandable for a person in his position. I do think that on a spectrum from supportive to Eric's mother, Eric's Father has fallen much more on the supportive side this…

I certainly agree with you. I think it was purposeful. This show doesn't seem to do much of anything by accident. The possibility that it wasn't a direct correlation between the two (improbable as that is) is the only thing that makes me OK with it though.

I think we just have a different reading of that conversation. Although I too saw your interpretation when I watched it. I had a thought that they should be careful with some of their phrasing. But ultimately, I think he was just talking about being there for him if he needs to talk or support in any way. Which I'd…

The weird aspect of it to me, in a meta way, is that I know that actress from Shamless and she was a horrible person on there too. I'm started to get exasperated with her as an actor and I shouldn't be.

The aspect of them bringing up the worry felt during Obama's inauguration was wonderful. Though I have to admit that I've felt that way just about everyday since he took office and every time he's stood behind any podium in public. It hasn't lessened one bit, and the show captured that perfectly.

Eric's dad at least seemed to have turned something of a corner in this episode and started to become the person I've wanted Eric to have in his life for awhile now, so that's good. It's another scene like the one between Taylor and his uncle that I wish the show had held on for just a bit longer. I'd love to know…

Great episode, but I'm torn in two about the interviews. I'm trying my hardest not to be a total shit about this, but there's simply something about equating what happened to Taylor, and what he did in response, to Columbine that bugs me.

I haven't read this yet (I have to go to work sadly) but Mickey Milkovich from Shameless is missing? How is that even possible?

What has the show, or the gay man in question, done to come out on the opposite side of the argument? That's my point. Is Eric's brother suspended or punished at all for his actions? Is he an out liar in the landscape of people's thoughts towards homosexuality? Or is he the norm? And is anyone being punished within…

Then we'll agree to disagree. My fundamental point is that the show has a history of this negative for negativity's sake sort of storytelling and I find it lazy and problematic. There is something to be said for exploring every side of the issue, but coming down too heavily on one side sends a message that I'm never…

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I found the encounter to be false or farfetched. I know that these kinds of hookups do happen; I'm simply saying that they aren't the *only* kinds that happen. When you look at the season's track record as a whole, these kinds of violent and problematic encounters seem to be the rule…

These have been two lackluster episodes for me. Things feel like they're slowing down when they should be ramping up. Or at the very least, it feels like the writers are spinning wheels to an extent when they should be starting the charge for the finale. Which is only 5 episodes away, right?

I think you and I read Kevin's feelings about the assault very differently. (which, for the record, is a great thing!) I was hoping Eric would place a call to the cops, or just to Taylor even, tipping him off before he got to the rec center. He seemed conflicted about it all. But Kevin seemed to know exactly what he…

Then again I say, stop watching. Why are you wasting your time on something you don't care about? You certainly understand that there is other, presumably better, TV out there you could be watching.